Turning Our Back On The Old Voice

The right key for the right door, walking in who you are in Jesus

Devotional Credit, Days of Heaven on Earth by A. B. Simpson
Photo Credit, Unsplash

Peter loved Jesus, yet in a moment of human thinking Jesus told him to get behind Him. I am grateful for how A. B. Simpson draws that scene into our everyday life. He reminds us that when the old patterns of the former life whisper, they are not the real us in Christ, and they do not get the last word.

We are not locked in a private, lonely struggle. In Jesus, we share a corporate identity as His people, raised with Him and indwelt by His Spirit. Simpson’s insight helps me remember that the church is a people in union with the risen Lord, and that our daily victory flows from His life in us, not from personal heroics or private resolve.

So when accusing thoughts rise, we are not asked to wrestle them down by sheer will. We are invited to recognize what is already true. The old master has no legal claim. The Spirit of Jesus lives in us. We can take our place behind the Lord, letting Him lead, while we refuse the suggestion that we are still the old person.

This brings relief. No theatrics. No white knuckles. Just a quiet turning of the heart to the living Lord, trusting Him to express His life through us. Simpson’s picture of Jesus saying get behind Me to the tempter becomes our posture. We step in behind Jesus, and He carries the moment.

Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I dwell in you, and I speak peace to your heart. You were crucified with Christ, and now you live by My Son’s life. The old person you once were was put into His death, and you are raised with Him. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. You are not defined by the old voice that calls your name. You are My new creation, sealed, beloved, and joined to the Lord as one spirit.

When the suggestions come, do not argue with shadows. Stand in what I have already done. Reckon yourselves alive to God in Christ Jesus. Present yourselves to Me, not as strivers, but as those who belong to the day. I work in you to will and to work for My good pleasure. I am greater in you than the one who is in the world. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, because the Risen One is your life.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Make no provision for the flesh. You have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, so do not return to an empty house. I fill that house. Abide in Me, and I will bear fruit in you. This is not your burden to carry. This is My life to express. When you hear the old accusation, answer with the truth, and let Me be your answer.

I am faithful. I finish what I begin. I empower what I command. Walk with Me now. Take your place behind the Lord Jesus. The accuser must go where I send him. You are Mine.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of unlocking your front door after a long day. For a moment, you catch the habit of reaching for a key you used years ago, the one from your old apartment. It looks familiar. Your hand even moves toward it. But it no longer fits. The door in front of you belongs to your present home. You take the correct key, the one that matches who you are now, and the door opens without strain.

In the same way, when an old pattern shows up, the Spirit of the Living Christ in you is the present key. The past key does not belong to this door. Rather than wrestling with the wrong key, you acknowledge the truth and let Jesus express His life through you right now. For example, if a cutting remark lands at work and the old urge to retaliate surges, you might quietly turn to the Lord and say, Lord, I rely on You to be my gentleness and honesty in this moment, express Your life through my words. Then you respond with simple clarity and kindness, not as a performance, but as the overflow of His life within you.

Prayer of Confidence

Lord, thank You that my old life was placed into Your death, and that I now live by Your risen life. Thank You that the accusing voice has no claim on me. Thank You that You are my wisdom, my peace, and my gentleness. I affirm that You are enough in me for this hour. I rejoice that You work in me to will and to do. I rest in Your victory, and I walk behind You today.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section

Galatians 2:20. Romans 6:6-11. Colossians 3:1-4. 2 Corinthians 5:17. Romans 8:1-2. Galatians 5:24. Ephesians 4:22-24. James 4:7. 1 John 4:4. John 15:4-5. Philippians 2:13. Colossians 1:27. Romans 13:14. Matthew 16:23.